- Main session of the Forum will be followed by a series of virtual sessions until the end of the year

- Event will discuss how Arab media can revitalise growth in the next phase

The Dubai Press Club (DPC) today announced that the 19th edition of the Arab Media Forum (AMF) will be held virtually on 20 October 2020 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The virtual Forum will be organised remotely in adherence to COVID-19 precautionary measures, DPC said, on behalf of the AMF’s Organizing Committee.

Following the main event on 20 October, a series of virtual sessions will be held under the umbrella of the Forum until the end of the year.

The 19th edition of the Forum will bring together prominent regional and international media personalities and industry leaders to discuss the far-reaching impact of the COVID-19 crisis on various sectors, particularly the media.

Her Excellency Mona Al Marri, President of the Dubai Press Club and Chairperson of the Organising Committee of the Arab Media Forum, said: “At a time when the world continues to face challenges brought by the pandemic, the UAE has distinguished itself with its exceptional response to the crisis. The country has focused on turning challenges into opportunities and finding alternative solutions to overcome difficulties. This approach is aligned with HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s directives to ensure sustained efforts to achieve the country’s development goals and strategic objectives.”

Her Excellency said His Highness’s vision has helped establish a solid foundation to prepare for the future by enhancing innovation and strengthening the capabilities of vital sectors.

"The decision to organise the annual Arab Media Forum virtually despite the prevailing circumstances is part of Dubai’s keenness to support the continued development of the region’s media.  It also comes as part of our commitment to implementing the directives of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum outlined 20 years ago to promote regional media industry growth by launching initiatives such as the Arab Media Forum and Arab Journalism Award,” HE Al Marri said.

Her Excellency further said Dubai’s strong infrastructure has enabled it to significantly overcome the repercussions of the pandemic as various sectors including the media sector were able to continue functioning efficiently through remote operations. “This year’s Forum will be supported by the advanced technological capabilities we have in Dubai. Through the use of video conferencing technology, we will be able to bring the region’s vast media community together remotely. We look forward to hosting a number of thought leaders and leading media professionals from across the region to discuss the current state of the region as well as the opportunities and challenges facing the media sector.”  

The Forum will discuss how media organisations can prepare for the next phase, both in terms of enhancing its content and exploring strategies for sustained growth.

HE Al Marri said the Forum seeks to explore new strategies to reinvigorate the Arab media landscape. “During previous editions of the Forum, we discussed several issues and crises facing the region and the world and their impact on the region’s media. During this virtual edition, we will continue our efforts to foster new insightful conversations between decision makers, innovators, scholars and visionaries in the fields of media and politics on global trends and future growth drivers for the industry in the light of recent developments.”

The 2020 edition of the Arab Media Forum will feature a virtual ceremony to announce the winners of the 19th edition of the Arab Journalism Award, the Committee said.